Page 114 of Scandalous

She’s quiet a moment.

“Aurora. I love you, babe, but you can be so stupid sometimes. You shouldn’t let what others think about you dictate your happiness. You started this empire because you enjoyed it and it helped pay the bills. If it’s no longer feeding your soul, then get rid of it. Disappear. If that’s what is truly holding you back, it’s an easy obstacle. I don’t think that’s it. I think you’re worried about what your parents will think.”

I suck in a breath. I hadn’t voiced those concerns, but they have been lingering in the back of my mind.

She gives me a sad smile. “That’s it, isn’t it? You don’t want them to be any more disappointed in you than they already are. I have a newsflash for you though. Nothing you do will ever be enough for them. Graduating with high honors and that pretty degree won’t change their minds. They are shitty people. You need to learn to let go of them.”

“When did you get so smart?” I whisper.

She laughs. “About the time I took that psychology class back in freshman year. Everyone else hated it, but I learned so much from it.”

“And you share that information with your bestie every day.” I smile at her. “Will you really be okay if I jet-set off across the world?”

“I can hold down the fort. I want you to live your best life. Just keep me in it.” She stands, holding open her arms.

I follow suit, hugging her to me.

“I could never get rid of you….” I trail off a moment. “You know too much.”

She snorts but hugs me closer.

“If you’re going down, I’m going down with you, babe.”

“Same. Besties for life.”

“For life.”

* * *

I’m lonely.

Liam ran out to do some street gig he enjoys. Santi and Ezra are running errands while we are in town. That leaves me alone in the house all by myself.

I hate it.

I take a photo of myself before posting it to my page.

The.American: Fun fact. Did you know that 57% of men and 59% of women feel lonely. What do you do when you’re lonely?

The comments come pouring in, but I don’t have the heart to look at them. I feel so drab today.

It could be the murky weather in London. Or maybe it was the letters waiting when we arrived back.

My father is still on his shit. He switches it up to keep me on my toes. Sometimes he calls. Other times, he sends emails. This week it’s letters.

They all say the same thing.

I don’t even bother to read them.

My phone ringing brings me out of my thoughts.

Beauty calling.

“Aurora, what are you doing?” I answer.

“Me? What are you doing? Are you lonely right now, D? Where’s Liam?” She sounds worried.

“Beauty, it’s okay. I’m a little sad and lonely today, but I’ll be okay. This is normal for me.”

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